"The West Nile at this moment is much, much worse than is being publicized. I have had a case in my practice, a lady here in town. She got transferred over to Dallas, so it is here."

The doctor says he knows of patients in a Garland hospital currently on ventilators due to severe symptoms from West Nile, and some who’ve suffered partial paralysis.

Permanent repellant spray is encouraged and homeowners are advised to cover or remove any standing water on your property.

Several area cities such as Ladonia and Commerce have sprayed for mosquitoes. In Greenville, residents who wish to request the city spray in their neighborhood can call the Parks and Recreation Department at 903-457-2994.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a majority of the confirmed cases of West Nile this year are in North Texas. Dallas County had 93 confirmed cases as of Tuesday afternoon, while Collin County had 12. The CDC did not include Hunt County on its list of locations with confirmed cases.

Three people have been reported to have died in the Dallas area from the virus in 2012.